Obituary of Carol Lee Jaunbral

Mrs. Carol Lee Jaunbral (née Grafflin), age 86, passed away at home on December 25, 2025, surrounded by loving family after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Born on September 26, 1939, in New Jersey, Carol lived a full and vibrant life marked by kindness, resilience, a sense of adventure, and love of family. She was the beloved wife of the late Bill Jaunbral, who predeceased her in 2022. They were married 64 years and together, they created a welcoming home that became a gathering place for their children and neighborhood friends alike. In her younger years, she was affectionately known as the “Kool-Aid Mom,” always ready with a smile and a pitcher of refreshment for the many children who filled their home with laughter and energy. She was involved in her children’s lives, supporting their many activities including Blue Birds, Camp Fire Girls, 4-H, Rainbow, dance and music lessons, while also encouraging Bill and Jack’s involvement in the Boy Scouts—building memories that would last a lifetime. She was also a devoted “dog mom” whose companionship brought her endless joy and comfort.

As her children grew older, Carol proudly returned to the workforce. She began as a bookkeeper at Cote’s Wallpaper in Lowell, Massachusetts, where she was admired for her precision and strong work ethic. She later worked in accounting at Purity Supreme in Billerica before joining the Insurance Claims Department at Market Basket in Nashua, New Hampshire. Throughout her career, she was respected for her professionalism and valued for her kind-hearted nature.

Though more introverted than her outgoing husband, affectionately known as “Chum Willy,” Carol enjoyed being part of her local bowling league, the Red Hat Society, and Curves fitness center. Travel was another joy she shared with Bill, as they visited their far-flung children and relatives in Alaska, California, Michigan, Texas, Ohio, New Jersey, Maryland, Maine, and Florida. One of her most remarkable adventures came in the summer of 1976, when she embarked on an ambitious cross-country road trip with Jack, Jill, and Janis. Their journey included unforgettable stops at Niagara Falls, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Colorado Rockies, the Grand Canyon, the Mormon Tabernacle, the Las Vegas Strip, Disneyland, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and a Grafflin family reunion in Texas.

Carol took pride in her appearance—her beautiful silver hair, manicured pink fingernails, and freshly applied lipstick were signatures of her style. She loved movies, and fittingly, the last film she watched was It’s a Wonderful Life. She also cherished special outings with her daughters Janis and Amy, attending musicals, plays, and theatrical performances in Boston.

In her later years, Carol found comfort in the routines of home. Her days often included walking her dogs (Radley and Jack) at Kohlrausch Park, shopping at Market Basket, playing the lottery, talking with family and friends, and bravely—and often humorously—tackling her ever-challenging technology devices. She was funny without ever trying to be, her unfiltered remarks revealing a playful, childlike spirit. Her stubborn independence was well known and deeply loved, adding to the charm that made her uniquely Carol.

She is survived by her four devoted children: Jack (Lina), Jill, Janis (Scott), and Amy; three cherished grandchildren, Denise (Jeremy), Anna, and Sam; and two beloved great-grandchildren, Josephine and Isabelle. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews—Jamie (Matt), Susan (Marty), Jim, Megan, Jason (Stephanie), Kristen (Matt), Debbi (Joe), David, Theresa (Mark), Monica (Phil), Dominic (Liza), and the extended Grafflin family—as well as her dearest friend, Mary Jane Coneeny, and longtime family friend, Tom Hunter.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Bill; her brothers Bob and Ron; her sister Shirley; her nephew Michael; her niece Cindy; and her childhood friend Valerie. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Billerica Council on Aging (https://billericacoa.org/donate/).